Spotlight on Sabine Spiesser

How long have you been an artist?

I have been creative for however long I can remember. I grew up in an environment in Africa where one had to make do with few resources and hence always think outside the square. At boarding school we had a mixed media craft room – open most days – and a wonderful instructor in paper crafts, weaving, beading, painting etc. etc. I started taking pottery lessons while at Uni and have dabbled in many mediums – eventually getting hooked on polymer clay.

Where is your studio...and could you describe it?

My studio is in Melbourne. It used to be a home office and I converted it when I stopped working as a dietitian. I have a huge window into the greenery and can overlook the garden while I create.

I wish it still looked that neat. Has become a little more cramped too with cat exercise equipment and a mixed media work  area.

 

What materials do you like working with the most and why?

Polymer clay, PMC and lots of beads – followed by painting/mixed media.

What on your workbench at the moment? i.e. what are you currently working on?

I have just completed some layered brooches using foils, canes. Apparently the effects look like fish scales. According to my in-house critic.

...and something a little more colourful for the Southern Summer

Where do you sell your artwork?

We had a retail business where I displayed and sold work. At the moment The Highway Gallery, Mount Waverley. http://highwaygallery.wordpress.com/

Direct requests via etsy.

Who is your favourite artist and why?

There are too many to mention. I am so grateful to so many from whom I learnt online and others who inspired me. The list is very long, as so many people have contributed in some way to my journey.

If I had to single out an individual it would have to be Hundertwasser. There is something delightful and cheerful about his use of colour and design in art as well as architecture, which instantly resonates with many people. There is so much to explore in all the layers he created in art and life.

If I only get to mention one person in the polymer clay world, it would have to be  Cecilia Botton for the sheer diversity of techniques mastered over the  time I have followed her progress on flickr  http://www.flickr.com/photos/24199592@N07/

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Mostly art and nature.

Have you had a mentor in your creative life? What did you gain by their mentoring?

I have never had any art/craft mentoring, however there are a large number of very generous artists who have written books, tutorials and online instructions who got me started and sustain my hunger for learning. The polymer community is incredibly sharing .

Do you teach your artwork to others?

Not at the moment.

What particular piece that you’ve made is your favourite and why?

My favourite piece is a necklace I because it is one of the few pieces I ever planned from start to finish. It covered several techniques and had to conform to a minimum clay content rule for a composition. 

What would you say to others to encourage their own creativity?

Follow your dreams and never give up.

Don’t be distracted by hurdles and critics – master them and show your strength.

Never stop learning, especially from your mistakes.

There’s always another day for housework, ideas however may vanish.

Slow down and smell the roses – one great piece is worth more than hundreds of mediocre ones.

Sabine Spiesser of Papgodesign

Website url: www.sabinespiesser.com

Blog url: http://www.sabinespiesser.com/blog/